What is Supported Living For People with Mental Health Challenges?
Supported living for people with mental health challenges is a specialised housing arrangement designed to provide a supportive environment that enables them to live more independently while receiving the necessary assistance. Supported living combines housing with mental health services to enable people with mental health needs to live more fulfilled lives. This type of living arrangement aims to help people gain more control over their lives, encouraging confidence and happiness. The support provided can range from assistance with daily tasks and medication management to help with financial, social, and emotional challenges.
Supported living services offer tailored care and support for people with mental health issues through several forms of supported housing. You may come across the following types of accommodation (as advised by social services):
Support services in one’s own home – help provided in a person’s own home by community care floating support workers whilst living independently in your private space
Supported housing and group home schemes – shared living schemes, sheltered housing (residential block of flats with 24-hour on-hand support from specialist staff), and group homes.
Short-term supported housing – crisis houses (an alternative to going into a hospital in case of severe symptoms, such as self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or hallucinations)
⇒ Read more about Mental Health Support
Benefits of Supported Living for People with Mental Health Challenges
Supported living services aim to guide people with a wide range of mental health issues on their journey to recovery. Specialist staff provide clients with 24-hour tailored care in their own homes. This way, people can develop their living skills and achieve progress towards independence whilst keeping their comfort and privacy.
A supported living service scheme can have many benefits for people with a mental health disorder or disability, such as:
Living independently with access to support with personal care
Regaining motivation for completing different tasks
Strengthening relationships with family and friends
Advancing social skills and ambitions for a fulfilling life
Receiving compassionate, friendly advice through a gentle approach from trained staff
Who Might Need Supported Living for Mental Health?
People who might need supported living for mental health often include those experiencing highly complex and enduring mental health conditions that significantly impact their daily functioning and ability to live independently. Supported housing services provide a structured environment where people can receive housing support tailored to their specific needs. This support may include assistance with daily tasks, medication management, and access to mental health services, all of which contribute to enhancing mental well-being. Under the Mental Health Act, people with severe mental health challenges can be provided with supported accommodation to ensure they live in a safe and stable environment. This type of housing support is crucial for those who might otherwise struggle to maintain a residence due to their mental health challenges.
Local councils play a significant role in coordinating and providing supported living options for people with mental health needs. Supported accommodation is often integrated within social housing schemes, offering them the opportunity to engage in community life while receiving the extra support they require.
These housing arrangements can help residents develop skills for independent living, foster social connections, and improve their overall quality of life. Access to supported housing services ensures they can have a stable home, reducing the risk of homelessness and facilitating better mental health outcomes. By collaborating with various agencies and services, local councils can create a supportive network that promotes mental well-being and community integration.
Supported living services provide 24-hour care and support for people with the following mental health needs:
Anxiety disorder and panic attacks
Addictive behaviours
Depression
Schizophrenia
A dedicated collaborative approach from a supportive local community can lead people back to independence and improve their self-esteem. Apart from helping with everyday tasks, supported living services also do their best to improve people’s self-esteem and social skills.
Maintaining Mental Health and Well-being in Supported Living Settings
Accommodation in supported housing schemes offers care and support in an environment where you keep your own tenancy rights. Depending on the person’s needs and location, the level of support may vary from occasional visits every week to supporting people 24 hours on their property.
Support workers in these services can help people with:
Managing medication and enabling therapeutic support
Managing basic independent living skills, such as preparing meals, taking regular care of personal hygiene, cleaning, and shopping
Covering bills, budget planning, and claiming benefits
Improving social skills, nourishing existing interpersonal relationships and building new ones
Maintaining physical well-being through sports and other activities
Leading an active and fulfilling life in the local community
Regaining confidence, motivation, and self-esteem
Support workers assist people’s mental health journeys with a friendly and compassionate approach. They aim to guide each person on the pathway to recovery by tending to their unique emotional needs.
Why Supported Living for People with Mental Health Challenges Brings Positive Impact?
Supported living for people with mental health challenges is a specialised housing arrangement that combines housing with tailored support services. This approach has been shown to bring numerous positive impacts on the lives of those it serves. Various models of community-based supported housing have been associated with positive outcomes, including improved quality of life, functioning, social integration, and inclusion. Supported living services provide integrated care, including a healthy and balanced lifestyle, physical activities, and regular medical checks. These services aim to bring mental health services in line with international standards of human rights, ensuring sustainable and quality care for people with mental health challenges.
Also, tailored support services encourage people to develop their skills and strengths, providing a sense of empowerment and peace of mind while living in the local community. Supported living housing has the potential to decrease hospital admissions by as much as 50% for people with mental health challenges. The stability and support found in supported living are essential for preventing relapses and maintaining mental health stability.
The cost-effectiveness and holistic approach of supported living make it a critical component of mental health care.
Supported Living for People with Mental Health Challenges with Leaf Complex Care
At Leaf Complex Care, we support people with mental health needs in our own supported living accommodations, where the environment is home-like, and those we serve are at the heart of everything we do. For our support workers, creating a better tomorrow for vulnerable people is a lifelong mission. Our highly trained support workers are dedicated to removing the barriers that society imposes on people with mental health needs and helping people achieve their full potential. Our goal is to leave an impact on each person, cater to their unique needs with compassion, and support their progress in all aspects of life.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, immediate support is available. Contact our Rapid Response team for compassionate assistance tailored to your specific needs.
If you have a loved one who needs supported living housing support fully dedicated to their quality of life and well-being, all you need is to contact us. We currently provide support services for young people and adults with mental health needs in Birmingham.
